Phillips expresses displeasure with reporter

ST. LOUIS -- Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips launched into a pair obscenity-filled tirades against a Cincinnati newspaper reporter inside the team's clubhouse before Wednesday's game.

Phillips directed insults at C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer because he was unhappy with some of the reporter's Twitter posts earlier in the day about his on-base percentage. Reds manager Dusty Baker had moved Phillips up from the cleanup spot to second in his lineup against the Cardinals in an effort to boost the top portion of the order.

During Baker's session with reporters in his office, Phillips resumed his verbal attacks at Rosecrans. The situation never escalated beyond words.

Phillips, who went 2-for-5 with two runs scored in a 10-0 thumping of St. Louis, declined to speak with reporters before or after Wednesday's game.

Enquirer sports editor Angel Rodriguez issued this response on the newspaper's website: "While we are disappointed in Phillips' reaction, we understand it is a pennant race and emotions are high during a crucial series with a heated rival. This isn't the first time a player has lost his temper in response to a reporters questions and it won't be the last. It is part of covering the team day-in day-out.

"This will not affect our coverage of the team or Phillips. We plan on moving on from this and we hope Phillips does too."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.